'Gigantic mistake for him' if Putin invades Ukraine: Biden

By Servet Gunerigok

WASHINGTON (AA) - US President Joe Biden warned Monday that it would be a "gigantic mistake” for Russian President Vladimir Putin to make any military moves against Ukraine.

"He has to realize that it would be a gigantic mistake for him to move on Ukraine. The impact on Europe and the rest of the world would be devastating, and he would pay a heavy price," Biden told reporters at a joint press conference with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

Biden reiterated that Washington would impose severe sanctions on Russia if Putin decided to invade Ukraine, which he said would affect the US and European nations as well, "but it will have a profound impact on his economy."

Scholz’s visit is his first to Washington since taking office in December, and the two leaders discussed bilateral relations, cooperation between their two countries and potential sanctions against Russia amid tensions near the Ukrainian border.

Biden praised Germany for its role "in pushing de-escalation of tensions and encouraging dialogue with through the Normandy format.

"But if Russia makes the choice to further invade Ukraine, we are jointly ready and all of NATO is ready," he said.